RON vs. Wet Signatures: Which Is Better for Your Business?

In today’s fast-moving digital world, understanding the pros and cons of RON vs wet signatures is essential for businesses and individuals who frequently deal with legally binding documents. As the demand for speed, security, and convenience continues to rise, many are transitioning away from traditional notarization methods and adopting more modern alternatives like Remote Online Notarization (RON).

When we refer to wet signatures, we mean the traditional, in-person process of physically signing a document using pen and paper. These wet ink signatures typically require the physical presence of a notary public to confirm identity, witness the act of signing, and apply a physical notarial seal. This method has been the standard for decades, but it comes with logistical challenges—especially in urgent, multi-party, or remote transactions.

In contrast, remote online notarization is a digital process that allows signers and notaries to meet via secure video conferencing platforms. With RON, all signatures and seals are applied electronically, and the entire session is recorded for legal compliance. The comparison between RON vs wet signatures reveals clear advantages in terms of efficiency, flexibility, and documentation security.

A major differentiator in the RON vs wet signatures conversation is how each handles witness requirements. Certain legal documents—such as wills, power of attorney forms, and healthcare directives—require one or more witnesses in addition to the notary. With wet signature notarizations, it’s often up to the notary or signer to locate and coordinate witnesses, which can delay the process. On the other hand, RON platforms maintain a network of thousands of certified online notaries and available witnesses who can join a session on-demand. This makes RON significantly more scalable and accessible for high-volume or time-sensitive document needs.

Another important consideration when comparing RON vs wet signatures is security and compliance. While traditional notarization methods rely on manual ID checks and physical recordkeeping, RON uses advanced technologies such as knowledge-based authentication (KBA), credential analysis, and digital certificates. Every RON session is video recorded and stored securely, providing a verifiable audit trail that greatly reduces the risk of fraud.

From a business perspective, the choice between RON vs wet signatures often comes down to operational efficiency and customer experience. Remote notarization allows companies to serve clients across time zones, reduce paper usage, and close deals faster—all while remaining fully compliant with evolving state laws and industry standards. For real estate, legal, healthcare, and financial professionals, this flexibility translates into better service and higher client satisfaction.

At eDocs Notary Pros, we support both traditional wet signature notarizations and remote online notarization services. Whether you prefer in-person signings or are ready to embrace a fully digital process, our experienced team can guide you through every step and ensure your documents are handled with precision and professionalism.

Still weighing your options in the RON vs wet signatures debate? Contact us to learn which notarization method best fits your needs.

Feature	Wet Signature	Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Convenience	Requires in-person scheduling	Sign anywhere, 24/7 access
Speed	Delays from travel, prep time	Completed in 10–15 minutes
Security	Physical ID only	ID + KBA + biometric verification
Witness Availability	Notary must find witnesses manually	RON has thousands of standby e-notaries & witnesses
Recordkeeping	Physical logbooks & seals	Encrypted digital logs & video recordings
Legal Acceptance	Accepted in all jurisdictions	Legal in most states, rapidly expanding
Paper Usage	Requires printing & storage	100% digital, eco-friendly
Cost Efficiency	Often includes travel or courier fees	Flat-rate, no hidden logistics costs